Which fighter losing would surprise you more?

Plus Nick's walkdown was getting stopped every time GSP put a jab in his face. It's not that easy to get inside that jab. And I don't think Johny's double step leap left hook is the way to do it. Georges can cover the same distance more quickly and moves out when he'd done. Johny does the leap, swing, leap, swing and ends up planted.
Hendricks is a scary guy. And you're right, if he can get inside, he can deal some damage. But he's got to get inside and when there he's gotta show some wrestling domination I don't think he has. (Yes, he's an awesome wrestler, but we've seen GSP out wrestle a litany of guys of his caliber.)

the difference is that Hendricks does in fact go for the TD after he gets inside. so his forward movements have a duel threat. if he does apply pressure he'll have some success with his striking, it's just a matter of what GSP has planned for him

I had checked GSP but after reading your post I remembered who they are each fighting and I Totally agree with you. I believe Hendricks will also be a issue on the ground, more than people think because of his strength. You know he is working his wrestling right now for this fight. I respect GSP but have a feeling Hendricks will be the new Champion. I also will predict right now that Jones gets past Gus but will lose his belt if he signs to defend it against Glover next .

Very possible. I hope it turns out that way. I'm pretty much over the multi year Champions. Not knowing who is going to win seems to be more interesting to me.

the difference is that Hendricks does in fact go for the TD after he gets inside. so his forward movements have a duel threat.

Imo, moot. If a head snapping jab is in your face, you're not going to get inside or go for a take-down. That's the beauty of a stiff jab - it stops forward momentum. And GSP throws it from range and it's fast.

I'd also wager GSP's strength, speed and technique are superior to Johny's. Which isn't a slur on Johny - because he's damn good - GSP is just better.

Imo, moot. If a head snapping jab is in your face, you're not going to get inside or go for a take-down. That's the beauty of a stiff jab - it stops forward momentum. And GSP throws it from range and it's fast.

I'd also wager GSP's strength, speed and technique are superior to Johny's. Which isn't a slur on Johny - because he's damn good - GSP is just better.

Hendricks did state he's willing to rush through the jab to land his left. the problem with that is that he can leave himself open while trying to rush in. but who knows how he really fights, he might fight tentative, look how KZ fought against Aldo. it happens to challengers. I'm not sure what GSP's game plan will be but how Hendricks reacts to the attacks will show if it's at least a competitive fight. but again cause Hendricks has KO power and he continues when he gets inside to go for a TD, it changes up GSP game plan, he might throw the same techniques in fights but it's for different reasons.

I think Hendricks poses the greatest threat to GSP thus far. He continually ate shots from Condit in order to get inside and throw bombs. He'll be willing to do the same against GSP, I hope. It's really his only shot. He isn't going to outwrestle the champ. If anything, it will be Hendricks on his back.

Gustaffson has got nothing for Jones. He'll get put down. GnP'd out within two rounds.

Easy answer is Jones. If he faces Teixeira next.... I think this will be a more interesting conversation.

Hendricks did state he's willing to rush through the jab to land his left. the problem with that is that he can leave himself open while trying to rush in.

For me that pre-supposes that the jab won't stop his forward momentum. And that's the thing with GSP's jab, it's really f---ing stiff. It's a head snapper, especially when a guy is moving forward. It has very little to do with Johny's willingness to eat it and move on - if it hits flush, he ain't moving through it.

He'll have to slip it, not eat it and I've never seen any head movement out of Johny that makes me think he can get around it that way. Which brings it to a movement/footwork aspect, and again, GSP has way better movement that Bigg Rigg.

Condit's jab is nothing like that and he throws more hooks and crosses - that why Johny could get inside Condit's striking. Except with Carlos front/push kick. I seem to recall that stopping Johny when NBK used it.

For me that pre-supposes that the jab won't stop his forward momentum.

that's what's disconcerting for anyone who want Hendricks to win. getting caught with jabs is not just demoralizing but can tire a guys out and freeze them up. GSP can step in with a quick jab to keep Hendricks on the defensive. step back with a jab to keep the distance. or stay in his pocket with a stiff jab. that's a tall order for any power puncher to overcome. but Hendricks doesn't have to worry about a fight ending strike, so he might be able to actually get on the inside on GSP.
and yeah Condit's major hole is that he doesn't control the distance, he has the physique and skills to do so.
the jab can be an important part of a guys skill set if it's meant to make the other skills more dangerous. when we see guys like Aldo and Jones being able to establish distance off of the jab and then attack with leg kicks pushing guys more back or forced to rush in, it's almost check mate

that's what's disconcerting for anyone who want Hendricks to win. getting caught with jabs is not just demoralizing but can tire a guys out and freeze them up. GSP can step in with a quick jab to keep Hendricks on the defensive. step back with a jab to keep the distance. or stay in his pocket with a stiff jab. that's a tall order for any power puncher to overcome. but Hendricks doesn't have to worry about a fight ending strike, so he might be able to actually get on the inside on GSP.
and yeah Condit's major hole is that he doesn't control the distance, he has the physique and skills to do so.
the jab can be an important part of a guys skill set if it's meant to make the other skills more dangerous. when we see guys like Aldo and Jones being able to establish distance off of the jab and then attack with leg kicks pushing guys more back or forced to rush in, it's almost check mate

I don't think GSP is the most powerful guy, but he's knocked down a ton of guys with strikes, jabs even. Fight ending? maybe not...but he still has power to put guys on their ***. I really hope Hendricks doesn't underestimate that or it could be a tough night for him. Condit's major hole is keeping the fight on the feet against guys he clearly has an advantage over in the striking dept. Tough to stop GSP from taking you down but if he's able to block takedowns like Diaz did there is a good possibility he catches GSP again in their fight and likely wins the Hendricks fight.

I don't think GSP is the most powerful guy, but he's knocked down a ton of guys with strikes, jabs even. Fight ending? maybe not...but he still has power to put guys on their ***. I really hope Hendricks doesn't underestimate that or it could be a tough night for him. Condit's major hole is keeping the fight on the feet against guys he clearly has an advantage over in the striking dept. Tough to stop GSP from taking you down but if he's able to block takedowns like Diaz did there is a good possibility he catches GSP again in their fight and likely wins the Hendricks fight.

GSP has just enough power to keep opponents honest when he does land with power strikes. if Hendricks can stay in the clinch, he could try what I call "Hockey fighting" something that Hendo would do earlier in his career, he would throw power shots in the over under clinch and pull the head down to throw upper cuts. Hendricks has to make his power felt in every exchange.
as far as Condit, well he has may holes in his stand up. sometimes off balance or not putting all his weight in his strikes, but the biggest one is that he doesn't control the distance.